Rumor: I don’t own a business so I can’t apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan.
Fact:
You don't need to own a business to request a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to qualified homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes.
You can use SBA disaster loans for the following:
- Home repair or replacement
- Mitigation
- Personal property
- Business losses
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Working capital for small business and most private nonprofits
SBA disaster assistance loans must be paid back.
In addition, FEMA works with the SBA to determine if you should get money for personal property or transportation assistance from FEMA or the SBA. FEMA is not allowed to provide money for these losses to people who may qualify for an SBA loan.
FEMA will automatically refer you to the SBA to be considered for a disaster loan if you meet SBA’s income standards. FEMA will use your household annual gross income and number of dependents to determine if it will refer you to the SBA.
You don’t have to accept an SBA loan offer; however, if you are approved and you do not accept it, you will not be referred back to FEMA for personal property or transportation assistance. You can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 if you have additional questions or need more information.